11/29/2008 News For: Low Cost Private Health care InsurancePrivate Medicare plans adding cost for little benefit WASHINGTON ��� Private health insurance plans, which serve nearly a fourth of all Medicare beneficiaries, have increased the cost and complexity of the program without any evidence of improving care, researchers say in studies to be published today. Florida children without health insurance Nearly 19 percent of Florida children do not have health insurance, the second highest percentage in the country. Hospital explores insurance alternative Administrators, boardmembers and committees at Sonoma Valley Hospital are exploring the feasibility of establishing an alternative health insurance program through its joint powers authority with three other hospital districts. Health care task force's plan offers little immediate help to middle class Ross William Hamilton/The OregonianLike a growing number of middle-class Oregonians, Kathy Brown, 60, and her husband, Steve, 63, have seen health care costs erode their standard of living and retirement plans. Both had jobs and health insurance when Steve suffered... State's children lack health coverage Nearly 19 percent or 797,000 children in Florida do not have health insurance -- the second highest percentage in the country -- and experts expect the number to rise as more parents are laid off, according to a report released this week. Analysts fear end of Keiki Care Although Hawaii has a high rate of children with health insurance, this is the wrong time to think of dropping a program such as Hawaii's Keiki Care, designed to provide free insurance to all children, says Jennifer Sullivan, Families USA senior health policy analyst. Frisco Cares Clinic may move into building of its own With the faltering economy leaving more people jobless and without health insurance for their family, the low-cost Frisco Cares Clinic may soon be able to expand their hours and help more children. Wealthier might have to pay more for health care Minister of Health Yeh Ching-chuan ��������� said yesterday the ministry was mulling ���taxing��� the wealthy to help solve the National Health Insurance NHI system���s financial woes. Contract boosts pay for personal health care workers A union representing more than 25,000 personal care attendants will get a raise and health insurance in their first state contract. Does Losing A Job Mean Losing Your Health Care? It's a common story: You lose your job, and your health insurance goes with it. But it doesn't always have to be this way. An expert offers several alternatives to prevent your medical bills from adding to your stress. |

